South Carolina's D.J. Swearinger scores on a 65-yard fumble return against UAB on Saturday. (Associated Press)

South Carolina safety D.J. Swearinger has been suspended for one game by the SEC for a hit in last Saturday's UAB game, making him the second player suspended for a flagrant hit in the last two weeks.

Swearinger will miss this Saturday's game against Missouri. The league said the hit, which came at the 5:46 mark of the third quarter, violated Rule 9-1-4 of the NCAA Football Rule Book, which reads, "No player shall target and
initiate contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless opponent
with the helmet, forearm, elbow or shoulder."

A defenseless opponent is defined as "one who because his physical
position and focus of concentration is especially vulnerable to
injury."

The NCAA and SEC have made such hits a point of emphasis for the 2012 season. Ole Miss defensive back Trae Elston was suspended for Saturday's game against Texas under the rule for a hit on UTEP's Jordan Leslie two weeks ago.

"These rules are for the protection of the health and safety of our
players on both sides of the ball," SEC Commissioner Mike Slive said in a league release.
"It is imperative that our student-athletes understand the importance of
this rule. Our motivation in making these decisions is to protect our
student-athletes."